The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful status, and proof of your current address

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you bring documents to your state's DMV or equivalent office. The exact documents vary by state, but they fall into four categories: who you are, whether you're a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, where you live now, and your Social Security number. You cannot get a Real ID online or by mail — you must appear in person.

This guide covers what documents fit into each category and what happens if you don't have one. If your state has specific rules that differ from the general pattern, your state DMV website will list them. Before you go to the office, check your state's requirements — showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one proving citizenship or lawful status, one showing your current address, and your Social Security number or a document with it on it.
  • A passport counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so bringing one cuts the number of documents you need.
  • Your current address can be proven with a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — not a driver's license.
  • Each state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, because some states allow alternatives others do not.
  • If you don't have a document in one category, your state DMV can tell you what substitutes are allowed before you make an appointment.

Identity documents: what proves who you are

You need one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph or physical description. A U.S. passport is the strongest option because it also proves citizenship, so you can bring fewer documents overall. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) counts too.

If you don't have a passport, an expired state driver's license or ID card works. A birth certificate with a raised seal or certified copy works in most states, though it has no photograph. Some states accept a military ID, tribal ID, or passport from another country, but rules vary — check your state DMV first.

A school ID, work ID, or social media profile does not count. The document must be issued by a government agency.

Citizenship or lawful status documents: proof you can legally drive

You need one document showing you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have another lawful immigration status. A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies this requirement on its own.

If you don't have a passport, bring a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. An original or certified copy works; a photocopy does not. You can order a certified birth certificate online from your state's vital records office, usually for $15 to $30, and it arrives by mail in one to three weeks.

Lawful permanent residents bring their green card (Form I-551). People with other lawful status — such as a work visa, student visa, or temporary protected status — bring the document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that proves that status. Your state DMV website lists which USCIS documents it accepts.

Address documents: proof of where you live now

You need one document showing your current street address and dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement also works. The document must show your name and full street address — a PO box does not count.

A current driver's license or state ID card cannot be used as your address proof, even if it shows your current address. The DMV needs a separate document to confirm you actually live where you say you do.

If you moved recently and don't have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a document at your old address plus a document showing your move — a lease at the new address, a utility bill in your name at the new address, or a change-of-address confirmation from the post office. Rules vary by state, so call your DMV ahead of time if you're in this situation.

Social Security number: what you need to bring

You must provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, or you can bring a document that has your number on it — a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement. If you don't have your number memorized and don't have a document with it, you can bring nothing and tell the DMV your number during your appointment, but you may be asked to verify it later.

If you don't have a Social Security number — for example, if you are a lawful resident but not yet a citizen — your state may allow you to get a Real ID without one. Check your state DMV website or call to confirm.

What to bring if you don't have a document in one category

If you don't have a birth certificate, passport, or other standard identity document, some states allow you to bring multiple documents that together prove who you are — for example, a school ID plus a medical record plus a credit card. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, some states accept a letter from a government agency, a court document, or a statement from a homeless shelter or social service provider.

Do not guess. Call your state DMV or visit its website and describe what documents you do have. The staff can tell you whether they will work before you make an appointment. Many DMVs also offer a document review service — you can bring your documents in advance to confirm they're acceptable, so you don't waste time on the day of your appointment.

Bringing originals versus copies

Most states require original documents or certified copies. A photocopy, scan, or photo on your phone does not count. If your birth certificate is a certified copy (issued by the vital records office with an official seal), that is acceptable. If you made a copy yourself, it is not.

Your state DMV will return your documents to you after your appointment — they do not keep them. Bring the originals so the staff can verify them in person. If you're worried about losing an original document, bring it in a separate envelope and ask the staff to return it before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid identity and citizenship document for Real ID. It's smaller and cheaper than a passport book, though it cannot be used for international air travel. If you already have a passport card, you can use it for Real ID.

What if my birth certificate doesn't have a raised seal?

A birth certificate without a raised seal is not acceptable for Real ID in most states. You need a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can order one online, by mail, or in person — it usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to three weeks.

Can I use my lease as both my address proof and my identity proof?

No. A lease proves your address but not your identity — it doesn't have your photograph or date of birth. You need a separate government-issued ID document (passport, birth certificate, or driver's license) to prove who you are.

What if I'm a green card holder but don't have a birth certificate?

Bring your green card (Form I-551) as your citizenship or status document, and bring a passport, expired driver's license, or other government-issued ID as your identity document. You do not need a birth certificate if you have a green card and another form of ID.

Do I need to bring originals, or can I bring photocopies?

You must bring original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, scans, and photos on your phone are not acceptable. Your state DMV will return your originals to you after your appointment — they do not keep them.